Real numbers for Delaware — filing fees, attorney rates, contested vs. uncontested costs, county breakdowns, and what you can do to reduce your total.
✓ Filing fee and waiting period verified against current state statutes · Updated August 2026
Forms and local rules differ, but the path through a Delaware divorce is fairly consistent:
Consider this a general orientation rather than Delaware-specific legal advice — your county self-help center or a licensed local attorney can confirm the current procedure for your situation.
Enter your specific situation — children, assets, contested issues — and get a real cost breakdown in 60 seconds. Free, private, no login.
Calculate My Delaware Divorce Cost →The cost of divorce in Delaware ranges from roughly $3,000 for a simple uncontested case to $33,600 or more for a contested divorce that goes to trial. The single biggest factor is not the state — it is how much you and your spouse disagree.
Delaware has a 6-month separation requirement before filing, one of the stricter requirements nationally.
| Divorce Type | Low Estimate | Typical | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested, no children | $165 | $915 | $5,000 |
| Uncontested with children | $3,000 | $5,000 | $7,500 |
| Contested, no trial | $11,550 | $21,000 | $33,600 |
| Contested, goes to trial | $33,600 | $39,900 | $50,000+ |
| Savings going uncontested | Up to $16,000 per spouse | ||
The court filing fee in Delaware is paid when you submit your divorce petition to the court. This is a fixed, unavoidable cost regardless of whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.
Filing fee note: $165 statewide
| New Castle County (Wilmington) | $165 |
| Kent County | $165 |
| Sussex County | $165 |
Divorce attorney hourly rates in Delaware average $260 per hour.
A Wilmington couple who have been separated for 6+ months and agree on all terms would spend $165 in filing fees and $1,500–$3,500 in attorney costs — total around $1,700–$3,700 for an uncontested divorce.
How much does a divorce cost in Delaware?
An uncontested divorce in Delaware typically costs $5,000–$7,500 including the $165 filing fee. A contested divorce averages $21,000–$33,600 per spouse depending on attorney hours and complexity.
What is Delaware's separation requirement for divorce?
Delaware requires spouses to live separately for at least 6 months before filing for divorce. This is a hard requirement — there is no way around it.
How is property divided in Delaware?
Delaware follows equitable distribution. Courts divide marital property fairly based on length of marriage, each spouse's financial situation, and contributions to the marriage.
Can I represent myself in a Delaware divorce?
Yes, for simple uncontested cases. The Delaware courts have self-help resources online and at courthouses.
Get a personalized estimate in 60 seconds.
Open Delaware Calculator →Filing fees based on Delaware court records as of July 2026. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.